Martin Allen: "I'll be the first to shake Evo's hand." Barrow preview

Ahead of the Spireites fourth game of the season, Martin Allen has been speaking to Spire Media. Allen speaks of his teams’ performance against Braintree, Chesterfield’s new entrance music, an update on assistant manager Adrian Whitbread and what to expect from a Barrow side managed by Ian Evatt.

When speaking about the home match to Braintree Town, Allen said,

“I didn’t think we played that well first half. I thought we were slow out the blocks.” The Chesterfield manager went on to say that despite his teams gradual improvement in the first half, they simply struggled to break down a very defensive minded side, who kept a lot of players behind the ball for much of the match.

“However in the second half, it was a much improved performance from the players. We didn’t have that many chances, but we did have one brilliant move that got us the win.”

After three games, the Spireites are yet to concede a goal, with the whole team defending as a tight unit and pressuring opposition high up the pitch.

“Getting clean sheets are not through luck. They’re through all the players working hard to protect our goal.

“We were disappointed to concede that goal against Wigan, a deflection. That upset all of us because we have worked very hard on the training pitch. Long may it continue.

Despite the perfect start to life in the National League, Allen insists that his team are not getting ahead of themselves, declaring that all of his team are staying focussed and professional.

“When we finished the game on Saturday, the players went straight outside for their warm down. Then when we came in they went straight in the ice bath.

“Straight away, there were no joyous moments. Everybody shook hands and gave each other a hug, then straight away you’re onto the next game.

When speaking to Spire Media, Allen revealed the origin behind the decision to play the Neil Diamond song ‘Sweet Caroline’.

“Me and my wife were sat in a bar, in Turkey. Waiting for the England game to come on. A guy that I nicknamed ‘Tommy the Turk’ was serving the food, I think he owned the place. Then five minutes before the England game, he turned up on unbelievable volume ‘Sweet Caroline’. We all stopped eating, and every England fan stood up and at the top of their voice, started singing ‘Sweet Caroline’. It was amazing.”

In terms of team news, the Spireites boss revealed that not everyone made it through the Braintree game unscathed, however he remains confident in whatever side he plays.

“The players that have been waiting to get their chance are now going to get their chance, and rightly so.

“Some players will come in and replace those that can’t play and they certainly won’t make us any weaker.”

The Spireites’ assistant manager Adrian Whitbread has in this past week suffered a bleed on his brain. However, Adrian is on the road to recovery and is resting up at Allen’s home.

“Adrian has had a very quiet, peaceful few days. My dog Bill is looking after Adrian.

“He’s slowly getting better, he’s been out this morning with my wife and my sister, for a coffee.

“He ain’t been out for long, but I’d say this is his first step forward.”

Everyone at Spire Media wishes Adrian a full and speedy recovery.

As for Tuesdays opponents, Chesterfield travel north to face a Barrow side managed by former Spireites’ defender Ian Evatt.

“They will be well organised, well coached, well drilled. They will be hungry. For us, it’s another tough game, against a man who is an iconic figure at this football club.

“He’ll have them all absolutely desperate to do well. I’m looking forward to seeing him and I’ll be the first to shake his hand after the game.

Barrow go into this fixture 8^th in the table, having picked up a win, a loss and a draw from their opening three games. One player for Town fans to look out for would be midfielder Josh Kay, who joined Chesterfield in the 2018 January transfer window, before leaving at the end of the season.